In loving memory of
Carol Nelson

• November 26, 1960
• -
• August 23, 2025

• Share

CAROL LYNN NELSON
11/26/1960 – 08/23/2025

On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Carol passed away at her home in Leesburg, FL, after an 8-month struggle with lung cancer.

Born in the Bronx on November 26, 1960, Carol was the third of four children born to Thomas and Maureen Nelson. She grew up in West Nyack, NY, and graduated from Clarkstown High School South in 1978.  Over the years, she worked in various fields, including as a hairdresser, and most recently as a medical biller for a doctor’s office.

Carol was artistic and developed an enthusiasm for crafting later in life. Her studio overflowed with supplies and projects, many of which became heartfelt gifts for friends and family. She enjoyed creating decorated cakes which she did for many family functions.  Her happy place was the beach, where she could spend hours in the sun reading. Above all, her greatest joy was being the proud mother to her three beloved sons: Daniel Fagan, Steven Gooler (Charlotte), and Alex Kolonics.

She embodied the traits of unabashed honesty, fierce independence, and a strong will. She was a private person who always followed her own path without compromise.  She was quick-witted and, if she was being snarky, we knew she was in top form and showing love.  Though many of her choices may have confused us over her lifetime – she was always her own person and true to her nature.

Even during her illness, Carol prioritized milestones and moments with her loved ones, like attending her nephew’s wedding in March so she could be with her entire family and all three of her sons together. In June, she shared a cherished summer vacation with her son Danny, and even took on the daunting task of finding and moving into a new apartment with her youngest, Alex—determined to create a better home for him despite her declining health. And she treasured any chance for long-distance FaceTime calls with Steven and her granddaughter, Audrey.

Carol had more than her fair share of life’s challenges, but she met everything head on with strong-willed determination and independence.  Even in the face of a terminal illness, she met the demands of each day for as long as she was able.

Carol is survived by her parents, Thomas and Maureen Nelson; her siblings Dona Adler (Scott), Jean Rice (Jim), and Thomas Nelson III; and the cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives who will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her husband Charlie Camenisch. In accordance with her wishes, her cremains will be scattered in the ocean in a celebration of her life to be announced at a later date.